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Zurkowsky: Frustration starting to show among Alouettes

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Montreal Gazette

Publishing date:

August 6, 2014 • 4 minute read

With Reggie Jones of the Ottawa Redblacks defending, Alouettes wide receiver Chad Johnson starts out on a pass route in the first half of a pre-season CFL game at Molson Stadium in Montreal, on Friday, June 19, 2014.John Kenney/ The Gazette

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MONTREAL — Tom Higgins probably thought it was an innocuous comment at the time. Last Thursday, after initially hesitating, the Alouettes’ head coach admitted Chad Johnson receives preferential treatment — but didn’t elaborate at the time.

But now, as the Als’ losses continue to mount and the team appears incapable of scoring touchdowns, it’s becoming clear that tension and turmoil exist. During last Friday’s defeat against Toronto, receiver Duron Carter and guard Ryan Bomben got into a shouting match. Linebacker Chip Cox also could be seen yelling at teammates.

“Concerning? Yes. You get heated arguments when frustration sets in,” Higgins said following Tuesday’s practice at Stade Hébert. “I get it. We have no dissension if we’re 4-1. But we’re 1-4. All the ugly parts come out of the organization and what you deal with.

“They don’t like the fact their head coach has no hair … or he’s too old. You get it when you’re struggling,” Higgins added. “We won’t hear any of this with a good performance.”

But are the Als capable of such? And will it come this Friday, at home, against Edmonton? There’s no reason to believe Montreal is about to suddenly turn its season around, given the fact it has gone two full games without a touchdown.

And now, fingers are starting to be pointed at some of the team’s receivers — in particular Carter and Johnson. One source told The Gazette Als players consider Carter, who has played only two games this season, selfish. Another source wondered why the 36-year-old Johnson, who has caught only four passes this season, but is averaging 19.5 yards per reception, remains in a starting role?

The latter source, a player who shall remain anonymous, said Johnson has displayed a lack of effort, accusing him of not knowing the playbook.

“We’re trying to win here. This isn’t some slap-d— vacation league,” the player said. “Put the best players on the field that want to play.

“One position (receiver) has free reign to do whatever they want and aren’t accountable to anything. It doesn’t matter what they do or how they perform.”

On Tuesday, Higgins again admitted Johnson, the former NFL standout with the Cincinnati Bengals who came out of retirement to play in the Canadian Football League, is treated differently. Higgins compared Johnson to veteran Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray, who has reached an unparalleled status and remains unchallenged at training camp.

But Higgins also was quick to admit, if another player didn’t have Johnson’s credentials — and had caught only four passes — he might not have the same luxury. In other words, he probably would have been benched by now.

“The expectation’s here, and anywhere he has been, that there’s a big-play capable person. He has higher expectations than any receiver that has come in,” Higgins said. “A coach that has history or understands an athlete, gives him the benefit of the doubt because, in the back of his mind, he can catch, make plays and has done this or that. Compare that to a young man who hasn’t done anything, although they might have the same skill set.

“We try to treat everyone fairly,” Higgins added. “We’re playing the guys, right now, that give us the best chance to win. It’s just the way it is and you deal with it.”

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Nonetheless, whether he cares to admit it or not, Higgins must realize, deep down, every player’s not being accountable. That was the theme he preached coming out of the bye week in the schedule last week.

And again, although he would never admit it, Higgins’s hands are probably tied and he has no choice but to play Johnson. Whether he has been given that edict by general manager Jim Popp, or president Mark Weightman for that matter, Johnson will remain in the starting lineup because he sells tickets.

The Als don’t come close to selling out Molson Stadium but, those who do attend, clearly come to see Johnson and take photos of him. Management realized the phenomenon he would create when it signed him. And, as long as Johnson remains popular with the clientele, it masks how bad this team truly appears to be.

Higgins admitted there could be dissension toward Johnson, should the other players believe he’s being treated differently.

“It depends on how it’s looked at, treated and talked about,” Higgins said. “But before our team meetings, everyone gets talked to as a full unit and we air a lot of things at that time. Some (players) might be called out — although they’re told before so they’re not surprised.

“We have some talented receivers, but it’s hard to showcase them when we’re not playing well or moving the ball. We’re struggling to get the ball close to receivers.”

Johnson for his part — at least when he speaks to the media — has never made it about himself and has done everything possible to divert attention away from himself, even not coming to a road stadium the day before the game, although media has requested his presence.

Johnson denied he’s held to a different standard. “In what way? He (Higgins) didn’t elaborate to me, so I don’t know how to answer that.

“I do all the work everyone else does.”

Johnson has been used extensively at field wide-receiver, the longest throw for a quarterback, but has been moved inside, to slotback, during workouts this week while remaining on the strong-side.

“Chad’s still a talented receiver,” said receivers coach Erik Campbell. “We have to give him more shots, more opportunities, to see what he can do.

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